Councillor Bruce Wright Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia

Published on 09 June 2020

Councillor Bruce Wright has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia as part of the 2020 Queens Birthday Honours list. 

“As a member of Rotary Club of Tumbarumba for over 30 years, founder and co-organiser of the Tumbarumba2Kokoda project and Snowy Valleys Councillor since 2016, Bruce is an outstanding Australian who works tirelessly for his community,” said Mayor of Snowy Valleys Council, Councillor James Hayes, OAM. 

In announcing the honours list, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) said the awards honour outstanding Australians who have made a contribution to their community great ideas, hard-work, love and compassion for fellow human beings

“It has been an honour working with Bruce over the last two years since he became a councillor with SVC,” said Mayor Hayes. 

“Bruce has shown passion and enthusiasm for his community, has acknowledged the difficulties of amalgamation but has also worked diligently with council and the community to make the best of the situation and to provide the best outcome for residents of his community.”

Councillor Wright has been the driving force behind Tumbarumba2Kokoda, and works tirelessly with students and adults who go on to walk Kokoda with him and his group. 

Councillor Wright has completed Kokoda numerous times and has guided over 100 students from Tumbarumba over the trail in past years. 

Student trips occur every two years and in the off years Bruce accompanies adults from the community over the trail imparting his knowledge and experience to his fellow trekkers.

The Queen’s Birthday 2020 Honours List recognised 933 Australians, including 457 Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).